Early ideas tend to have disproportionate influence over the rest of the conversation. They establish the kinds of norms, or cement the idea of what are appropriate examples or potential solutions for the problem.
Loran Nordgren. Kellogg School. “Brainstorming Doesn’t Work; Try This Technique Instead”
When doing any group discussion, it’s vital to give everyone the opportunity to capture their own experience, in their own language, prior to sharing. This is a part of how I work that often frustrates client – for it means that there are portions of the group or interview where the only person talking is me. This can feel like a waste, but this insight dates back to the Asch conformity studies from the 60s or 70s. There’s great video here.
(via peterspear)
Particularly good advice.
I tried to do this while a teaching assistant on an undergrad geography course – despite not knowing more about group facilitation than I’d read in a few blog articles – mostly just to get more contributions. It can be hard to get people to speak up in seminars, and so I wanted to make sure that every single person had a thought ready before I asked them to share. It also gives shyer or more introverted people more time to gather their thoughts before speaking.
But it’s interesting & useful to think of this in terms of not just getting more contributions, but getting a better debate overall – because norms aren’t set too early, and therefore a wider range of ideas can be considered by the group.
Pretty cool. One for all us researchers to makes sure we build into our methods, of course.
(via hautepop)